The Conservatory is a Christmastime tradition with festive poinsettias, a model train display and whimsical gingerbread houses. The seasonal attractions, including a phenomenal juggling act are always top notch. But for me, the best part is always wandering into greened spaces and spying summer blooms.

This is a deceptively simple shot taken during Franklin Park Conservatory’s annual Blooms and Butterflies where brand new butterflies flutter freely amidst the lush foliage of the Asian Pacific Garden and Dale Chihuly’s magnificent blown glass pieces. Photographing a butterfly’s brief landing requires educated anticipation, a lot of patience and a bit of luck.

The latest Dale Chihuly glass installation mimicked and enhanced the natural. The artists’ pieces fit into foliage as if they’d blown into life on organic pace with the plants growing next to them. The result? Tranquility tinged with a vibrancy that left one breathless to see what was around the corner and yet, reluctant to move one’s eyes from the exceptional beauty already found.